February 13, 2009

Utopia closing downtown shop after seven-year run

Utopia, a purveyor of upscale and original women's fashions, is closing its downtown La Grange store, owner Kim Shimkus said. Signs advertising its "going out of business" sale were posted today in the windows of the store, located at 26 S La Grange Rd.

The reason for closing is one commonly heard these days. "It's mostly the economy," Shimkus said. "Everything has been on sale for the past six months. My profit margin is way down but I still have a very expensive overhead."

The store's final sale is underway with 30 percent markdowns on all merchandise. Further reductions will be made on a graduated basis until March 14, when Shimkus vacates the premises.

She expects a lot traffic at the store this weekend as her clientele sweeps up newly arrived spring fashions, accessories and jewelry at bargain prices. "We're not just selling off old stock," she said.

Shimkus takes pride in noting that all of her merchandise is ethically sourced. "We sell no Korean sweatshop goods," she said. The store also offers organic fabrics.

Shimkus said she opened Utopia's La Grange store seven years ago after having managed the original Utopia location in Oak Park. That store will remain open, but is owned by another individual, she said.

Once the La Grange store closes, Shimkus said she will continue serving as a personal fashion to her core clientele, "women I have dressed for years." She said she also is surprised by the number of job offers she has received as people in the local fashion industry learn of her plans.

Should the economy recover sufficiently in the next couple years, Shimkus said she would certainly consider opening another store of her own, possibly in La Grange.

"It's all up here," she said, tapping her skull. After her years of Utopia, "I feel like I got an MBA."